NEW WAKISO DISTRICT WOMEN COUNCIL RECIEVES INSTRUMENTS OF POWER

By Moses Rwamigoye 

 

 Ann Lumumba Todwong appeals to all women leaders across Uganda to champion economic empowerment and poverty eradication.

 

 

The Chairperson of the National Women’s Council, Hon. Ann Lumumba Todwong yesterday presided over the Swearing In Ceremony and handover Ceremony of Wakiso District Women’s Council at the district headquarters. 

First, I congratulate you for being district women leaders. Today you are not just taking an oath you are taking a responsibility for every woman and girl in Wakiso. 

In her speech, Ann appealed to all women leaders across Uganda to champion economic empowerment, poverty eradication and women’s rights by ensuring that women actively participate in government development programmes.

The handover ceremony attracted Women Council representatives from 720 villages across Wakiso District. Newly elected leaders took their oaths of office before receiving instruments of power from their predecessors.

Ann emphasised that women leaders must go beyond occupying leadership positions and serve as a bridge between government development programmes and women at the grassroots.

“Women Council leaders must become a voice for women in their communities and a bridge to development. You have a responsibility to ensure that women are empowered economically, lifted out of poverty and that their concerns are heard,” Ann said.

As a true cadre of NRM and national leader, Ann She beseeched the incoming women leaders to drop down all political differences and embrace reconciliation, warning that divisions could undermine efforts to improve women’s welfare.

Leadership comes with challenges, but you must learn to forgive one another and remain united. Without unity, you cannot effectively serve the women who entrusted you with leadership,” she added.

Sheri Kalyebala, the outgoing Wakiso District Women Council Chairperson, highlighted various challenges her administration had faced. Among the challenges faced noted there was discrimination and political hostility allegedly linked to its affiliation with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Simply because of political differences. Let us respect one another and maintain peace,” Mbabazi advised.

The RDC further encouraged women leaders to uphold discipline, dignity and responsible conduct, saying they should set a positive example for the communities they represent.

 

Meanwhile, Edward Ssentalo, who represented Wakiso District LC5 Chairperson Ian Kyeyune, urged the newly elected council to prioritise initiatives that directly improve women’s household incomes.

He also appealed to the incoming chairperson to forgive those who might have wronged her during the leadership transition and promote unity within the council.

“Your responsibility is to ensure that the women you lead become economically empowered. Put aside personal differences, forgive one another and concentrate on programmes that will improve the livelihoods of women in Wakiso,” Ssentalo said.

The leadership transition comes amid calls for grassroots women leaders to take a more active role in monitoring government programmes, addressing domestic violence and promoting women’s participation in economic activities.

The new Wakiso District Women Council leadership is expected to strengthen coordination among women representatives across the district’s 720 villages while advocating for greater access to government development programmes and economic opportunities.